CM directs officials to conduct regular field inspections during construction; negligence will invite action, and contractors will be blacklisted
Instructions issued to set a clear timeline for the entire process from tender to award
Government buildings to be constructed using modern design and advanced technology
Raipur, March 6, 2026//
Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai has taken a firm stand on ensuring the quality and timely execution of road construction projects in the state. He made it clear that any negligence or substandard work in road construction will not be tolerated. If any irregularities are found in any project, strict action will be taken against the concerned officials, and contractors responsible for poor work will be blacklisted. The Chief Minister issued these directions during a high-level review meeting of the Public Works Department (PWD) held at Mahanadi Bhawan on Friday. Deputy Chief Minister and Public Works Department Minister Shri Arun Sao was also present during the meeting.
Chief Minister Shri Sai instructed officials to conduct regular on-site inspections during construction, rather than inspecting roads only after completion. According to him, roads are not merely technical projects but critical infrastructure that directly affects citizens’ daily lives. He emphasised that roads are closely linked to public convenience and play a key role in shaping the government’s credibility. If a road deteriorates within a few years of construction, it undermines public trust in governance and infrastructure planning.
During the review meeting, the Chief Minister expressed serious concern over the poor condition of the Bagbahar–Kotba road. He noted that the road had been constructed only a few years ago, yet it had already deteriorated significantly.
“If a road cannot last even four years, it raises serious questions about construction quality,” the Chief Minister said. He directed officials to conduct a thorough investigation into the shortcomings in the road’s construction and to ensure strict quality monitoring during future projects to prevent similar situations.
The Chief Minister also pointed out that while large-scale road construction is underway across the state, citizens often remain unaware of these projects. As a result, the positive narrative of development does not reach the public effectively.
To address this, he instructed that foundation-laying ceremonies and inauguration events for major road projects should be conducted by the Chief Minister and ministers, and these projects should be widely communicated to the public.
To improve project implementation efficiency, Chief Minister Shri Sai directed officials to establish a clear timeline for the entire process, from tender issuance to project award. He highlighted that in several cases, contractors win tenders by quoting very low rates (below the estimated cost), which often leads to delays and compromises in quality. In such cases, the contractor must be held accountable. “If a contractor takes a project at below rate, it becomes their responsibility to complete the work within the prescribed quality standards and timeline,” the Chief Minister said.
The Chief Minister emphasised the need to create a clear regulatory framework to ensure both quality and timeliness in construction works. He instructed officials to study best practices adopted in other states and implement suitable provisions in Chhattisgarh. He also suggested establishing a dedicated unit for technical tasks, such as preparing Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) and managing tenders, to improve efficiency and transparency in project implementation.
The Chief Minister highlighted that around 300 villages in the state become completely disconnected during the monsoon season. In such areas, residents often have to carry patients on cots to reach healthcare facilities, which he described as a matter of serious concern. Based on a list provided by the Food Department, he directed officials to prioritise connecting these villages through roads and small bridges to ensure year-round accessibility.
The Chief Minister also stressed the urgent need for the Lailunga–Kunjara–Tolgepahar–Milupura–Tamnar road. He noted that a large population resides in this region, and road connectivity is crucial for their mobility and economic activity. While certain sections of the proposed road require forest clearance, he instructed officials to begin construction work in the remaining stretches at the earliest.
During the meeting, officials also reviewed the progress of several major road projects across the state. These included the National Highway-43 corridor connecting Manendragarh, Surajpur, Ambikapur, Pathalgaon, Kunkuri, Jashpur, and the Jharkhand border, spanning approximately 353 kilometres. Officials informed the Chief Minister that compensation for land acquisition has already been distributed in the Pathalgaon–Kunkuri section.
Other projects reviewed included Ambikapur–Semrasot–Ramanujganj–Garhwa road, Geedam–Dantewada road, Champa–Sakti–Raigarh–Odisha border road, Raipur–Durg road, and Road development works in the Chilphi region.
The meeting also discussed the construction and upgradation of 17 roads in Bastar, along with bridges and culverts in the region. Additionally, a detailed plan for the State Rapid Road Connectivity Network was presented during the review.
Reviewing construction work, the Chief Minister said that many government buildings in the state currently have outdated designs and are similar in design. He emphasised that new government buildings should be built using modern architecture and advanced construction technologies. He also suggested promoting vertical construction rather than horizontal structures to better utilise land resources. The Chief Minister directed officials to ensure that the guest house under construction at Raj Bhavan is designed in a modern and dignified manner.
Chief Minister Shri Sai said that roads have a direct connection to citizens’ daily lives, and people judge the quality of governance by infrastructure such as roads. “Many development works may not be visible to people, but roads are visible to everyone. Therefore, the Public Works Department is one of the most important departments of the government,” he said. He instructed officials to establish a system for the timely detection and repair of potholes, ensuring that roads remain safe and functional.
The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Shri Vikas Sheel, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Shri Subodh Kumar Singh, Public Works Department Secretary Dr Kamalpreet Singh, and Secretaries to the Chief Minister Shri Mukesh Bansal and Shri Rahul Bhagat, along with senior officials of the Public Works Department.
